Four Elms

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This formerly derelict Victorian building is the new headquarters for the NoFit State Circus. The first purpose-built circus training space in Wales, it facilitates expansion of the company’s thriving community programmes. The structural scheme centred on increasing headroom for circus training, and providing a purpose-built rig for performers and community users alike. The rig is totally unique and designed to mirror the dimensions of the king poles which hold up the Circus’ Big Top. The main hall steel frame was installed in sections, delivered through the former front door of the building, and assembled beneath the existing roof.

Judge's comment:

The renovation of an almost derelict Victorian building featured the exemplary insertion of a steel frame in the main hall, avoiding unnecessary temporary works by assembling the whole of the new frame around existing tie bars before they were cut. This is an inherently sustainable project, retaining and reusing the vast majority of the existing building fabric, and provides a fantastic resource for Cardiff’s local community.